Letter to Residents, Families, clients & Advocates
26 October, 2020
Dear valued Residents, Families and Advocates,
RE: COVID-19 Update – New Residential Aged Care Facilities Direction
As you may be aware, we have now received the new direction from the Tasmanian Government. We apologise for the late notice as we only received this notice late Saturday night. The new directive addresses visitor restrictions to aged care facilities in Tasmania and as such, we must comply to ensure we keep our residents, staff and community safe.
The main change is that from today – Monday 26 October – interstate travellers from identified COVID-19 low risk areas (currently Queensland, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, West Australia, Northern Territory & New Zealand) can visit residential aged care facilities in Tasmania without quarantining. All visitors must complete the facilities screening process and declarations and adhere to the facility visitor requirements.
Further, people who have spent time in areas that have been identified as COVID-19 medium risk (currently New South Wales) or high risk (currently Victoria) within the previous 14 days, must not enter a residential aged care facility in Tasmania unless they have received an exemption from the Tasmanian Director of Public Health.
For more information regarding border arrangements, COVID-19 low, medium or high risk areas, please visit https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/travellers-and-visitors/coming-to-tasmania.
All other current visitor restrictions will remain in place: a maximum of two visitors per resident, per day in the resident’s room or specific non-communal area; one single point of entry to sign in/out, screen and monitor visitors via main reception; as well as maintain good hand hygiene and social distancing.
During this time, it is important that we all continue to be extra vigilant with our COVID-19 safe procedures. Please be assured that we are here to support you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns about your own visiting arrangements, please contact your Facility Manager directly.
I sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these changes together.
Yours sincerely,
Jackie Howard
Chief Executive Officer
Masonic Care Tasmania
